Do you know your corona-slang?

From Sanny and Magpie, to Covidiot and coronababies, are you up to date the Australia’s COVID-slang?


Australians are known for their sense of humour and their knack for creating new words. In fact, more than 100 slang words are currently used in Australia.

Whether it’s cooking a snag on the barbie or having a coldie in the arvo, Aussies seem to love their slang, and the COVID-19 pandemic has served as an inspiration for a whole new set of words.

Have a look at some of the new words Australians have come up with during the COVID-19 pandemic:

  • Sanny – Hand sanitiser
  • In Iso – Self-isolation or lockdown
  • The ’Rona – Needs no explanation
  • Magpie — to snatch up desirable staples in the supermarket, like toilet paper or pasta.
  • Covidiot — An insult for someone who disregards health and safety guidelines.
  • Coronapocalypse — a reference to these unprecedented times and the risks facing the world.
  • Quarantini — a homemade cocktail prepared while in home quarantine.
  • Coronacoma — another name for the shutdown period, or the long, luxurious sleeping opportunities newly available to some in quarantine.
  • Coronacation — Making the most of a forced staycation, due to cancelled classes or events.
  • Coronababies and Coronials — Children conceived during lockdown.